About this artwork
The popular geometric pattern of intersecting circles (shippo) often provides a background for symbols or other imagery, but in this kesa made for the Shingon, Shin, and Tendai sects, it is the sole decoration. What makes this piece special is the lining, which is left undecorated in most kesa. In this case, beautiful passages of bamboo and flying birds were embroidered in gold and painted on the lining, which appears to be original.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Textiles
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Title
- Kesa
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Place
- Japan (Object made in)
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Date
- Made 1900–1920
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Medium
- Silk and gilt-paper strip; twill weaves with supplementary patterning and brocading wefts; lining: silk; plain weave with creped wefts, painted and embroidered with silk and gilt-paper-strip-wrapped silk
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Dimensions
- 116.1 × 179.1 cm (45 3/4 × 70 1/2 in.); Warp repeat: H.: 65.2 cm (25 5/8 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of Ralph E. Hays in memory of Mary Van Artsdalen Hays
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Reference Number
- 2004.1003
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
